Effects of single nucleotide polymorphism markers on the carcass and fattening traits in different pig populations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in 4 different genes: growth hormone (GH), leptin (LEP), growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) on fattening and carcass traits in pigs. The polymorphisms of the porcine genes and their relationships with performance traits were analysed in 143 unrelated pigs, belonging to 5 different breeds (Lithuanian White, old-type Lithuanian White, Large White, Landrace and Yorkshire) and 3 groups of crossbreeds (Large White × Landrace, Yorkshire × Large White, Yorkshire × Pietrain). It was found, that MYF5 polymorphism (Y17154.1: g2200G>C) influenced fattening traits with the highest daily weight gain stated in CC genotype. The most preferable LEP polymorphism (TaqI) (U66254.1: g.1112G>A) was AG genotype with lower age to achieve 100 kg of body weight and average backfat thickness, and higher meat-ness and weight of ham. It was found that pigs with TT genotype in LEP polymorphism (HinfI) (U66254.1: g.3469T>C) had better carcass properties in comparison to other genotypes. These pigs had also the highest meatness and the lowest average backfat thickness. The preferable GHRH polymorphism (JX435113.1: g.405A>C) genotype was CC with the highest daily weight gain. The most desirable TT genotype of LEP polymorphism (HinfI) (U66254.1: g.3469T>C) was found with the highest frequency in Landrace breed. The highest frequency of the most desirable CC genotype of GHRH gene was found in Yorkshire pig breed. So, from all examined genes LEP and GHRH genes polymorphisms seem to be the most preferable biomarkers of pig selection process.